Volume 19 Issue 1 January - March, 2007 A Quarterly Publication Corps looks into Bat Bombs, page 5 District has new Civilian Deputy; New Chief of Engineers nominated, page 3 Media Training Hits District, pages 10 & 11
From the Front Lines a postcard from Iraq Chief, Construction Services Gulf Region Division Central District Curiosity …that’s the one word that would describe my interest in working downrange in Iraq. Having performed a similar but shorter tour in Kuwait during Desert Storm almost 16 years ago, I was definitely curious to see what the Iraqi society was like, even in a post-war state, as I had only been exposed to what they were as an occupying force in Kuwait. I enjoy traveling and seeing different pieces of the world and especially those that I have had a personal tie and I can say that I will have left Iraq scratching that itch. Travel - that’s one of the unheralded aspects of USACE. My experiences here have been quite interesting and unusual and they have definitely been unique. The work is daunting, never ending, and always dynamic, which pushes one to reach down deep to excel. For a part of the world that has been in conflict for millennia, my personal logic sounds off the caution in regards to if things will ever change… but for me personally it is the ability to help plant a few seeds that may bear fruit generations from now, much like the individual who plants the acorn knowing that their grandchildren and great grandchildren will enjoy the shade of the oak, that gives me satisfaction of the worth. I will always be amazed at the efforts, skills, and teamwork that all (soldier and civilian) have shared each day, especially with many having to work outside their comfort zone and finally my endearing respect is paid to the daughters and sons who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in blood, flesh, and breath in a land far away from home to protect humanity around the world.
George E. Sims, PE Chief, Facilities Design Albuquerque District more postcards page 6
Volume 19, Issue 1 Commanders Comments “CORPS VALUES” by LTC Bruce Estok “Hey Soldier, can I buy you a beer?” This controversial matters pending decision. Despite is one thankful gesture recently expressed to me the sometimes personal or combative tactics em- as I’ve been in transit to a meeting or confer- ployed, our employees’ professional and tolerant ence. Though I did not accept, I did express my approach to other opinions preserves the Corps appreciation for the thoughtfulness. objectivity. While traveling in uniform is a matter of con- Selfless Service Put– the welfare of the Na- venience that makes me a symbol for the Army, tion, the Army, and your subordinates before I want to thank everyone in the Albuquerque your own; the recent call for District volunteers District for the oustanding job you do serving in support of the National Ice Mission resulted in our nation. The respect our District enjoys is 33 volunteers, or 10 percent of the District, in a a direct result of the Army values you exhibit week. Beyond this critical mission, everything daily. we do is for the benefit of someone else as op- District Engineer In my experience, core values are most often posed to our own gain. LTC Bruce Estok “talked” in the ivory towered world of aca- Honor - Live up to all the Army Values; The demia, and most often “walked” in the murky District is looked to within the region to bring Public Affairs depths of the real world. For example, while at teams together and get things done the right way. Specialist the Air Command and Staff College I learned Our project managers and technical experts are Bruce Hill, Jr. about the Air Force values “Integrity First, Ser- often found at the center of controversial issues vice Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do”. building consensus, responding to challenges, RipRap is an unof- We have had some training on the Army Val- and making hard calls. ficial publication ues of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity - Do what’s right, legally, and moral- authorized by Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. More ly; The District’s central role in critical decisions AR 360-1. important is our District walking the LDRSHIP affecting the region is apparent from the efforts It is published by the walk. Even when our results or decisions are we lead and partner on. Expert advice provided Public Affairs Office, by our staff on major decisions culminating Albuquerque District, not popular, the Corps is respected for the val- U.S. Army Corps ues behind them. A few recent, but not overly actions ongoing for a period of years reinforces of Engineers. specific, examples illustrate this. that our folks are not afraid to act on the harder Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to right. The views and the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and Personal Courage - Face fear, danger or ad- opinions expressed other Soldiers; People matters, either personal versity (physical or moral); A total of 94 District do not necessarily employees deployed for GWOT or Gulf Coast reflect those of the or professional, and organizational decisions, Department of De- test commitments. In each case I’m aware of, recovery duty in the last year, with nine presently fense or the Depart- our people rallied to support their co-workers or serving on these Corps priority missions. Mean- ment of pulled together to help the District meet a vari- while, those serving within our Area of Respon- the Army. ety of challenges. While the recent 2007 work sibility have capably shouldered the challenges plan and 2008 budget preparation challenged of an added workload. Reader input is Keep up the good work, and keep the Army welcome. the District, I am proud of the teamwork we Address mail to: exhibited working with SPD and HQUSACE Values at the forefront in all you do since they to get them done and know that all of you are define what the District and the Corps are all U.S. Army Corps of ready to move forward on our projects. about. Engineers Duty –Fulfill your obligations; During the I’d also like to highlight some of the people- Albuquerque District Hatch emergency housing mission an engineer related good news in our District. ATTN: Public Affairs returning from TDY one evening at 8 pm put in Thanks to Mark Stark for his many years of Office dedicated service, and to Dang Zelinske who will 4101 Jefferson Plaza another couple hours reviewing site electrical NE drawings to keep a District commitment. Do- be joining Chuck in retirement in May. Welcome Albuquerque, N.M. ing what ought to be done at the right time and back to George Sims, John Long, and Lanette 87109 without being told is the hallmark of our field Chavez from their service overseas. Congratula- construction, regulatory, and operating project tions to Todd and Kristina Rastorfer on the Janu- Telephone: offices which span the fourth largest geographic ary birth of their son, Jack. Thanks to everyone 505-342-3171 area in the Corps. for all you do. Relevant, Ready, Responsive, and Deadline for Respect – Treat people as they should be Reliable – One Corps, One Team Serving Our submissions is the treated; District members routinely lead public Nation – Essayons! first of every quarter or consulting party meetings to obtain input on RipRap Page Commanders Comments Colberg is new Deputy District Engineer for Project Management “CORPS VALUES”
Jorge Colberg, formerly the Albuquerque District Chief of Military and Interagency Support Branch, assumed the position of Deputy District Engineer for Project Management on January 7. He succeeds Cynthia Nielsen, who vacated the position in Septem- ber. Born in Puerto Rico, he moved to Texas in 1983 when he began his federal career in the Fort Worth District. While there, he worked as an architect in De- sign Branch, and as a design manager. After spending four years in Southwestern Division, working as Air Force Program Manager, he returned the Fort Worth District in 1991 as a project manager, and later on as Chief of the Contract Management Section in the Engineering Construction Division. He arrived at the Albuquerque District in 2001 as the Chief of Military / Interagency Services Branch. Jorge and his wife, Regina, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in January. They have two chil- dren and two grandchildren. photo by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs Lt Gen Robert Van Antwerp nominated Chief of Engineers
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Feb- ruary 5 that President Bush nominated Lt. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Accessions Command, to become the 52nd Chief of Engineers. Van Antwerp, who is expected to succeed Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock, is currently going through the Senate confirmation process and has already had a congressio- nal hearing before the Senate Armed Services Commit- tee as of April 6. Prior to commanding USAAC in 2004, Van Antwerp served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center and commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonardwood, Mo. He served as an engineer officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District during the North- ridge Earthquake of 1994, the 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and served as an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Actual confirmation is expected in the very near future. File photo RipRap Page March: Women in History Month The RipRap asks… What woman had the most influence in your life and why? Corps Calendar
APRIL is HOLOCAUST REMEMBERANCE MONTH April 6, Good Friday April 8, Easter April 23, Army Reserve Birthday, 1908
F. Terry Weeks, General Engineering April 25, Administrative Professionals Day My mother. She was a single mom who taught me April 26, Bring Your Kids to Work Day through the school of hard knocks to respect other people. I looked at her life and learned about life from her. MAY is ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH May 5, Cinco De Mayo May 8, Victory Europe, 1945 May 13, Mother’s Day May 19, Armed Forces Day May 28, Memorial Day (observed)
JUNE Armando Najera, Hydrology and Hydraulics Section June 6, D-Day Landing at Normandy, 1944 My mom. She is an immigrant to this country, I saw the sacrifices she made to the family and continues June 12 ,Women’s Armed Services Integration to make for all of us to have a better life. Act enacted 1948, (United States law enables women to serve as permanent, regular mem- bers of the armed forces) June 14, Flag Day, U.S. Army founded, 1775 June 17, Father’s Day June 20, Army Air Force created, 1941 June 21, First Day of Summer June 28, Town Hall
Kathy Skalbeck, Plans Formulation Section My Grandma Miller! She told me, “If someone is doing something you don’t like, then it’s probably something that you do yourself. So make the decision to either change that about yourself or stop whining. No one likes a hypocrite.” See, I told you she was wise. RipRap Page Corps looks into Bat Bombs World War II Reveals Unusual History By Lara Beasley, USACE Geologist Most people may know about the testing of the first who fastened it to the chest of the bat. The bats were then nuclear weapons in New Mexico, but how many people know loaded into a cardboard container fitted with a parachute to about bat bombs? slowdown their descent and to release the bats when dropped In the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the War from a plane.” Department was willing to investigate many “out of the box” “As the Army continued to refine the bat-plus-bomb con- ideas for retaliating cept, many more tests with both live and dummy (inert) bombs against the Japanese. were released near Carlsbad.” So when in January The Army concluded testing on May 29, 1943. In his final 1942, a dental surgeon report, Capt. Carr wrote: named Lytle S. Adams “The bats used at Carlsbad weighed an average of nine wrote to President grams…they could carry eleven grams without any trouble Franklin D. Roosevelt and eighteen grams satisfactorily, but twenty-two grams ap- about his recent trip to peared to be excessive. The ones released with twenty-two- the Carlsbad Caverns, gram dummies didn’t fly very far, and three returned in a few a very unusual idea minutes to the building where we were working.” was given approval. “One flew underneath, one landed on the roof, and one at- Dr. Adams’ idea was tached itself to the wall. The ones with eleven-gram dummies to place small incen- flew out of sight. The next day an examination of the grounds diary bombs inside around a ranch house about two miles away from the point of bats and release them release disclosed two dummies inside the porch, one beside over Japanese cities. the house, and one inside the barn.” Because much of the Capt. Carr’s report abruptly stated that: construction in Japan “Testing was concluded…when a fire destroyed a large por- was wood and paper, tion of the test material.” the bats were to fly He neglected to give details on the incident, which involved Illustration courtesy of U.S. Air Force under the eaves of build- a door left ajar, bats fitted with incendiaries escaping, and set- ings, the bombs would ting fire to all of the structures at the auxiliary field, including then explode setting the buildings on fire. The intent of releas- a general’s car. ing several hundred to thousands of the bats over the Japanese In August 1943, the Army concluded testing and transferred cities was to cause widespread fires that could devastate their the project to the Navy and became known as Project X-Ray. economy with limited loss of life. The Navy then moved it’s testing to Hondo Army Airfield in In May 1943, approximately 3,500 bats were collected at Texas and shortly handed the project off to the Marine Corps. Carlsbad Caverns and flown to Muroc Lake, California. While Testing by the Marine Corps, conducted in Utah, was conclud- hibernating, the bats were fitted with dummy, or inert, bombs ed in August 1944 when Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King, Chief and dropped from a B-25 flying at 5,000 feet. The test was of Naval Operations, was informed that the bats would not be less than successful as the bats were so deeply hibernating that combat-ready until mid-1945. many did not fully awaken and died when they hit the ground. While conducting meetings in Carlsbad for the Formerly At the time, testing was then transferred to an auxiliary Used Defense Site Program in March, the topic of the bat airfield near Carlsbad, New Mexico. According to **Army bombs resurfaced. Representatives from the New Mexico En- Chemical Weapons Service Capt. Wiley W. Carr, the tests vironment Department expressed concerns about the potential were carried out as follows: safety hazard posed if any of the live bat bombs failed to oper- “Bats were taken from the refrigeration truck in a hibernated ate as intended. state in lots of approximately fifty. They were taken individu- “The bombs were so small that if they were to go off it ally by a biologist, and about a one-half inch of loose chest would be similar to setting a book of matches on fire,” David skin was pinched away from the flesh. While this operation Holladay, Albuquerque District’s Ordnance and Explosives was being done, another group was preparing the incendiar- Safety Specialist. “Because of the weight of the bomb, the ies.” bats could not fly very far…the likelihood of them going very “One operator injected the solution in the delay (mecha- far from the drop point with a live bomb and the bomb not nism), another sealed the hole with wax, and another placed activating is very small.” the surgical clip that was fastened to the incendiary by a short (See Bat Bombs, page 16) string… The incendiary was then handed to a trained helper RipRap Page Postcards fron1 Iraq ~~~--~~~~~x Duty in Iraq ooo a legacy of goodwill
By Thorou Etphln Admin. A ~oG-1r., Ra1o0urett Moln~gcmon t u.s. Army Cotpl- or fnOinHH
Theresa Esplaln AdmlnAssL Albuquerque District
~ - - -1 ••~···· · ··~······~ Postcards fro1n " !Oo7 "'" ...... : My Out of The Box Experience t by Bernfco M. Chavez ~ Albuquerque District
I was excited to come over lo lmq In April 2006 II ae1uall:,o tw~ me quite few mofllns. lo decide If lllis wn indeed wtlall wanted to do. Since I on:ly "haYa le-s.slhan liva ~ars 19ft to retarefrom the federal goveu~;rnenl clv.l seNice. I thought "what a positive wa~ to end my Cllreer". So when this OJ)j)Qr· tun1ty came up I embraced lhe idea ;nKI koow that thi$ \vas the opportunitY I ha(f been WM1ng for. One mom•ng wring bre.akfast my twenty yearok! son and I sat al the kitchen table d S~Cussi ng my departure. He was not very hap.py about my deciS!Ofl and ha was quick lo ex pres.s his concerns, t:IUI in the $0me breoltl he told me lhal he was looking al me in a clilferent li9hl and he heard 1i1e excite menl 1n my voico and he !mew lhat th1s was someth1n.g I had to do Jo.r m~self And after a two hour conversation my son looked me slra~h t m the eye$, w.th a look of love that orlly .1 moltler knows, and said "Mom you've always been lhere lor me aoo na.... 1 want to be thMt! for you• aoo gave me his 9ornlco M. Cll.lvoz. 1dmlnltllall\le 1podaJis1 wllh llle Gulf Roglon South O..trict. support w'holehearledly. I remember the leelmg I got when 1 CUSACE PHOTO SY M0/1AMMfiO AUIMJ arrived m K1.1Wa1t and" noticed a sea olwhrte robes 011 amt he mer~ I looked around me aoo thought Oh no. I am 1n a foreign country, a REAL fot'liign country". FI'Om thai moment on I knew my mind set nerxted to shrrt IMrMd'iate l ~ to 1M task a1 hand. Once I began wor1<1ng I reahz.ed that my job In personrtet was an 111tegrat pari of the success of the Corps m1s.s.IOI'I. At lhts point 11became clear to me 1tlat I was a $1Tla11 pieoe of the big pu;ule that made everything else rail into place to ac.o:lmpl.sh Ihe teslt at t\and which was help. mg the Iraq• people 1n re!JU1Id1rig the1r country. An
RipRap Page 12 Actions for Change Theme Card
The 12 Actions for Change provides a common orga- tion; and reliable public service professionalism. nizational framework to help prepare the Corps to broadly The actions are grouped as follows: integrate its vast mission capabilities. The ‘12 Actions for To recieve a 12 Actions for Change foldup card, you may print, Change’ fall within three overarching themes: Effectively cutout and fold the one below, or contact public affairs at 342-3171
implement a comprehensive systems approach; communica- for a card
decision processes to ensure the public the ensure to processes decision
•
processes.
is paramount in organizational decision-making organizational in paramount is
•
depth assessments and improve existing guidance. existing improve and assessments depth
research and development activities to support in- support to activities development and research
•
assessments of completed works. completed of assessments
inspections to comprehensive system risk system comprehensive to inspections
•
Behavior
8. Assess and Modify Organizational Modify and Assess 8. 7. Review and Inspect Completed Works Completed Inspect and Review 7.
skills, resources, and programs through mutually supporting integration of Collaborate with public and private interests the Nation Provide expert and professional service to infrastructure Improve the Nation Improve public safety
Conduct critical assessment of organizational of assessment critical Conduct
Balance competing interests so that public safety public that so interests competing Balance
Implement an effective technology transfer from transfer technology effective an Implement
Change from reconnaissance level project level reconnaissance from Change
reliable, adaptable, and sustainable systems. sustainable and adaptable, reliable,
Comprehensive assessments result in safe, in result assessments Comprehensive
effective system performance. system effective
organizational decision-making ensures decision-making organizational Professionalism and accountability in accountability and Professionalism GOALS ’
s water resources
’ s trust. s Maintenance Major and Operations Construction, Design, Risk Employ 2. implement and refine to make these changes effective. Conduct pilot tests ß ß with broader, more diverse ramifications. problems to regional solutions for longer term ß interdependent groups of projects. ß Approach Based Systems Comprehensive Integrated, an Employ 1. pilot tests. complexity and frequency of the assessments. Conduct and using risk reliability assessments that match the • consequences? “ go wrong? • with increased economic and environmental benefits. Safe, reliable projects working together as a system Upgrade and modify our methods, tools and approaches Shift to interdisciplinary cross Shift the focus from local solutions for immediate Shift the focus from isolated, individual projects to How likely is it to occur?
Develop methods, tools, and guidance for performing Shift the investment from a single focus on
Reduction Strategies Reduction
10. Establish Public Involvement Risk Involvement Public Establish 10.
residual risk and impacts of their land use decisions. use land their of impacts and risk residual
•
reduction system. reduction
emergency response components in the flood risk flood the in components response emergency
combination of structural, nonstructural, zoning, and zoning, nonstructural, structural, of combination
on those who will bear the risk, in selecting the right the selecting in risk, the bear will who those on •
investments. structural, floodplain and coastal zone Flood risk is reduced through balanced
9. Effectively Communicate Risk Communicate Effectively 9.
Increase efforts to educate local governments on governments local educate to efforts Increase
Require public involvement, with special emphasis special with involvement, public Require
public to make informed decisions on risk. on decisions informed make to public
Clear and candid communications allow the allow communications candid and Clear
property.
borne by the public and residual risks to life and life to risks residual and public the by borne
•
project stakeholders and the general public. general the and stakeholders project
associated consequences more effectively to effectively more consequences associated
•
system performance and public safety. public and performance system
An involved and informed public will improve will public informed and involved An
Communicate simply and clearly the risks the clearly and simply Communicate Communicate alternative levels of risk and risk of levels alternative Communicate ” to a multiple focus on ” – Based Concepts in Planning, in Concepts Based ” , and “ What are the – functional teams. “ What can go wrong? “ What can ” , Design and Construction Standards Guidance, Planning Development, Program for Policy Update and Reassess Continuously 3. 4. Employ Dynamic Independent Review Independent Dynamic Employ 4. systems. planning, design, and construction of water resource ß years. comprehensive updates at a minimum of every 5 planning and engineering guidance, then perform ß economic, engineering, and environmental analyses. conditions, models and methods that underlie the comment upon the soundness of assumptions, and controversial systems to identify, explain, • life-cycle. assessment of incremental changes over the system •
acceptance. improve cost estimates, and broaden public increase economic and environmental benefits, Independent reviews help to assure public safety, environmental benefits. reliable systems with greater economic and Up-to-date technology and methods result in safe,
12. Invest in Research in Invest 12.
Maintain guidance to reflect state-of-the-art in Implement an immediate review and update of skills. leadership and management
•
engineering and ecosystem restoration. ecosystem and engineering
reliable water resource systems fully integrating fully systems resource water reliable
•
employer of choice for the best and brightest students. brightest and best the for choice of employer
•
Expertise and Professionalism and Expertise 11. Manage and Enhance Technical Enhance and Manage 11.
Require external peer review of complex, costly, Change to a system perspective that includes
and technologies. and
teams to validate and demonstrate new approaches new demonstrate and validate to teams
•
flood risk reduction systems. reduction risk flood
modeling capability, full integration of ecosystems into ecosystems of integration full capability, modeling
scaleable coastal storm and hydrologic engineering hydrologic and storm coastal scaleable
planning, infrastructure safety and sustainability, and safety infrastructure planning,
investment in risk and reliability engineering and engineering reliability and risk in investment
•
Balance technical expertise and experience with experience and expertise technical Balance will increase system effectiveness. system increase will
Research and development infused into practice into infused development and Research
Rebuild public confidence in our ability to provide to ability our in confidence public Rebuild
Recruit, develop and retain the best. Become an Become best. the retain and develop Recruit,
Establish technology transfer methods that allow that methods transfer technology Establish
Focus on strategic needs of the Nation, targeting Nation, the of needs strategic on Focus
reliable, adaptable, sustainable systems. sustainable adaptable, reliable, Expert Corps capability will provide safe, provide will capability Corps Expert 6. Focus on Sustainability on Focus 6. ensure satisfactory system safety and performance. information and knowledge throughout the life-cycle to ß on systems at any time during their life-cycles. development can place sudden or insidious demands morphological changes, and changes from sea level, subsidence, seismic influences, geo- processes of nature such as climate variability, rise in ß Systems Engineering and Planning Adaptive Employ 5. cycle of USACE infrastructure. Environmental Operating Principles (EOP) into the life- • the system performance • Be flexible and adaptable by incorporating new Recognize that dynamic conditions and non-linear management to remain adaptable over time. Flexible systems that incorporate anticipatory Integrate asset management and USACE Make the environment an integral component of
natural resources. decrease costs and conserve improve Sustainable systems are safe, reliable, flexible,
The Army and the Nation the and Army The
One Corps Serving Corps One
Resources Infrastructure Resources
and the Nation the and
Improving Public Safety Public Improving
12 Actions for Change - Change for Actions 12
30 January 2007 January 30
Relevant, Ready, Responsive, Reliable Responsive, Ready, Relevant,
Strategy for Change for Strategy
’ s Water s
RipRap Page From the Field: Abiquiu hosts national tradition, Bald Eagle Watch story by Dave Dutton and Eric Garner, USACE at Abiquiu Lake Abiquiu, NM. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at provides information on both breeding and non-breeding Abiquiu Lake hosted its first annual Midwinter Eagle Watch segments of the population at a potentially limiting time of in January. year. The count has become a national tradition since 1984, The purpose of the watch is to collect data which will and will likely become an annual event at Abiquiu Lake. assist in national and local tracking of the bird’s num- bers. It is also an opportunity to encourage shared steward- ship with the public to help keep track of wildlife popu- lations and ensure that their habitat is adequate for their numbers. National Wildlife Federa- tion officials asked that par- ticipants in each state count Photo by Blaine Jackson, Holloman Air Force Base eagles along standard routes A Bald Eagle glides through the air near Taos, N.M. on Christmas Day. The Bald Eagles to provide data trends. The move south following their migratory food sources such as ducks and geese, and are com- basic objectives of the monly seen in Northern New Mexico during the winter months. survey are to index the total wintering Bald Eagle popu- lation in the lower 48 states to determine eagle distribution In addition to providing information on eagle trends, distri- during a standardized survey period, and to identify previ- bution, and habitat, the count helps to create public interest ously unrecognized areas of important winter habitat. in the conservation of our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. The annual midwinter survey represents a unique source for long-term baseline data. Unlike nesting surveys, it
Photo by Larry Armijo, Tribe of Jemez USACE Cochiti Lake Project bestows the Pueblo of Jemez with a surplus front end loader in January. Long-time Co- chiti Lake Park Ranger, Ray Chinana, initiated the transfer stating, “The donation is cost effective for both parties.” In the foreground from left to right: Park Ranger Ray Chinana, 1st Lt.Gov. Paul Chinana, Cochiti Lake Operations Manag- er Becky Miner, Jemez Pueblo Govenor Raymond Gachupin and 2nd Lt. Gov.Timothy Armijo. “These dealings foster good community relations and provide positive public relations for the Corps,” said Chinana RipRap Page From the Field: Fit to win (part one of a three part series) Abiquiu hosts national tradition, Bald Eagle Watch By Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs Are you tired of watching the scale bounce up and you exercise aerobically for long periods of time it will do down month after month because your current workout very little for muscular strength, size and anaerobic endur- routine doesn’t seem to work? ance. Do you wish you could control your weight without hav- Marathon runners are able to maintain a constant body ing to spend hours in the gym? weight because of the exorbitant amount of running they If cardiovascular exercise like running or jogging is your endure almost daily, which is probably more than most of us routine and they don’t seem to produce the results you de- are either willing or able to perform. sire, try incorporating a little strength training like weight- Anaerobic endurance, which results from strength training, lifting into your workout. is important because it can be a key element in long-term Contrary to most beliefs, strength training can equate to weight control. optimum weight control, does not require long hours in the Muscle is necessary to burn calories. For every pound of gym, and can be made to fit almost any schedule. muscle you have, as many as 50 calories can be burned daily Here’s how cardiovascular exercise, an aerobic activity, at minimal activity. If you solely engage in aerobic activity, and weightlifting, an anaerobic activity can work together: you can lose the muscle necessary to stabilize body weight. Aerobic (requiring oxygen) exercise is defined as a long The combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise can be duration, low intensity stressor that is used to increase the the key to improving fitness, especially with a sound diet efficiency of oxygen intake. Aerobic activities that main- plan containing the right nutrients for your body and physi- tain an increased heart rate for a specific period of time, cal objectives. such as running, swimming, and bicycling are important for Look for part two of this three-part series on Fit to Win in cardiovascular health and fitness. the next issue of the RipRap, which will include a sample Anaerobic (without oxygen) exercise is defined as a high workout schedule. intensity short duration stressor that is used to increase muscular strength, efficiency and output. A popular anaero- Editor’s note: This article was reviewed and approved by bic activity, such as weightlifting, can be done either with the 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland Air Force Base Fitness free weights or machine weights. Director. A common misconception is that aerobic training alone is best to control body weight. The truth is, however, unless District hosts wellness fair Hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of En- gineers and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico, wellness industry professionals from local and national organizations were on hand in February to provide literature and answer questions on health topics such as nutrition, diabetes, sleep disorders, lasik surgery information, ergonomics, fitness, cancer prevention, poison and drug preven- tion. Free health screenings were also avail- able to all employees, including grip strength, body fat analysis, ergonomic evaluations, bone density screening, derma scan screening, chair massage, gait analysis (to determine appropriate shoe type), blood pressure, and lasik screening. Photo by D.J. Johnson, USACE Information Management For questions regarding wellness in- Corps employees check out a screening heel density exam, courtesy formation and future fairs, contact Chris of the Breast Imaging Center, at the District wellness fair held in Feb- Serino at 342-3129. ruary. The screening helps determine low bone density.
RipRap Page Media training comes to district story and photos by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs
Lt. Colonel retired, (Dr.) Joe Trahan, Trahan and Associates Media Trainer, plays the role of reporter as he poses a tough question to Matt Bourgeois, left, Albuquerque District Emergency Management Chief. Jay Field, right, Public Affairs Director for the Los Angeles District, records the interview for both realism and post-interview critiques. While the on- camera practicing of key messaging, general questions and answers may elevate fear and promote humility, Bourgeois didn’t show it. “The end result was a good interview, an increased understanding of media and improved level of confi- dence,” said Bourgeois.
It’s 7:00 p.m. on a Friday evening. You’re relaxing at It can help deliver the right information whether a good home, looking forward to spending some quality weekend news story or a crisis and risk situation. time with the family when... Up until 2007, most media training was conducted on “Ring…Ring…” the fly at the District. That was until Lt. Colonel, USAR re- It’s the public affairs officer with CNN on the line, and tired (Dr.) Joe Trahan, Media Trainer and Owner of Trahan several other media calls that must be returned immedi- and Associates, provided two and one-half days of writing, ately. A dam, at risk of breaking, could dump more than six media, public meeting and press conference training to the million gallons of water into the homes and businesses of a Albuquerque District in March. sizeable U.S. city in minutes. Tailored to issues specific to the District, Trahan provid- The PAO has already interviewed live with the Weather ed more than media training designed to help increase news Channel, local television and a regional radio network, and media literacy among Corps employees and reduce on-cam- he says he needs your help. Fresh inquiries keep coming era interview anxiety. The training also brought employees in, previous media callers want updates, and the rain just from various sections together to collectively learn how to keeps on coming down. better communicate a good news story and provide solid This was the scene when the U.S. Army Corps of En- responses to a crisis situation. gineers, Albuquerque District was asked by the Mexico “Information is a commodity, and every employee is a government to professionally assess the condition of an spokesperson, every day he or she gets up for work, and ev- overtopped dam located across the Mexico border that ery time that hard hat or shirt with the corps logo is worn,” threatened tens of thousands of El Paso city citizens in said Trahan. “There is no substitute for good preparation Texas, August 2006. and training when dealing with news media, especially During an event of potential media interest, not just a when it can mean the difference between gaining public crisis like this one, effective media training and media support for a particular project or not.” preparation can help make all the difference in the world. A few corps employees role-played news reporters and RipRap Page 10 Media training class members review their videotaped inter- views to make improvements to verbal and non-verbal com- munications skills, as well as re- inforce the positive techniques they possess. The on-camera experience, when done as a group, can pull people togeth- er since the experience can be more fearful than climbing a long ladder or rappelling for the first time. Like a good team- building exercise, the media training brought project manag- ers from different sections to- gether that otherwise may only see each other at meetings or social gatherings. concerned citizens during the training to help create a real- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District istic environment, while others played their real-life roles Project Manager. “The training reinforced the impor- as corps subject matter experts. tance of speaking in one voice, (the concept of bringing “Trainees interview their colleagues and play journal- people from other areas together to deliver a common ist, which helps them better understand the roles the news message).” media play and the challenges on that side of the camera,” “It is a challenge in the real world to agree on a said Trahan. “The training also helps identify potential message because there can be so many different techni- real-world quandaries, because no one generally knows cal views on an issue. Staying in your lane (area of ex- their business better than the trainees.” pertise) was emphasized and the training revealed how “The training brings employees from various sections certain technical questions are better off being deferred together to brainstorm as a team and craft a single (public) to another team expert. It was a good challenge,” he message to achieve a common goal,” said Felton Prosper, said.
Lara Beasley, center, Albuquerque District Geologist, responds to a media question during a mock public meeting regarding the potential dangers of incendiary devices called ‘bat bombs’ that were dropped over training sites in New Mexico during World War II . David Holladay, left, Albuquerque District Ordnance and Explosive Safety Specialist, acted as the facilitator, while Felton Prosper, right, fielded questions from media and concerned citizens regarding current levee issues. RipRap Page 11 Car collector casts quite the collection photo and story by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquer- que District members are collected, whether in their business attire, or steel-toed boots and hard hat, or battle dress uniform. But catch a glimpse of them outside the Corps, you may find a collec- tion of different sorts. Bob Liddy, Equal Op- portunity Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, is a collector of miniature diecast automobiles, currently managing a sizeable collection of approxi- mately 300 of the mini auto replicas. His collection is of cars that are of most interest to him, and to a level that might turn any part of a household into a mini auto showroom. “I built and collected Bob Liddy, a member of the Albuquerque District, is seen with the first of hundreds of diecast plastic models since I cars he collected over the course of 17 years, a red 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (left). On the was nine or 10 years old right is his most recent, a 2007 Ford GT 500. at a one to 24th or 25th scale. I saw a friend who had a diecast metal car at about down the road. a one to 19th scale and I was impressed with its size, detail “Most are for sale, but there are a few I’m holding on to,” and finish.” he said. “There are some I still have a particular interest in Later as an adult, I happened upon a diecast metal car at a and am hanging on to, which is about 50. Some are unique store one day. It was a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. It was and limited production models.” expensive, but I liked it enough to buy it. Some notables in his collection include a 1932 Packard From that point on, Liddy was hooked, amassing hun- Dietrich, an early 1930’s Deusenberg Phaeton, a 2006 Cor- dreds of the diecast autos between 1990 and 2007. vette, and his latest, a 2007 Ford GT 500. Liddy settled into the Albuquerque District in 2005. While “They were unique cars for their era,” said Liddy. he spends his fulltime civilian duties working on person- Liddy also, offers a bit of simple advice to new nel issues as the EEO Manager, Liddy devotes his off time collectors. to collecting and occasionally selling off some of his mini “Buy what you like. Collecting is a fun hobby.” replica automobiles, making room for cars of greater interest
RipRap Page 12 Half marathoner gives whole effort by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs
With the coming of future the soccer field and having races comes a greater level of played on the University of competition and an elevated New Mexico soccer team for incentive to be competitive. four years. While at UNM, Middle distance runner, she was a four-year letter Danielle Galloway, a bi- winner, Defensive Player of ologist with the U.S. Army the Year her last two years, Corps of Engineers, Albu- and team captain her senior querque, showed her com- year. petitive spirit at her first half “Soccer and running go marathon in Phoenix, Arizona hand-in-hand,” said Gal- in January. loway. “I used to hate long Nearly placing in the top distance.” 10 percent of her field, she Training (for the half finished 184th out of 2,190 marathon in January) in- in the 25 to 29 age group, her cluded doing different runs first long distance race. six days out of the week, she Only 30 degrees at the said. “There were a couple of starting line, the sub-freezing long distance runs, some days start did not deter her, nor the were speed runs and others nearly 20,000 other runners were interval runs and hills. I that entered the approxi- definitely felt different pains, mately 13 mile run. Finish- but began to feel stronger as I ing the course in one hour trained.” and 51 minutes, Galloway “A difficult time was being also wound up placing 744th relegated to treadmill training overall out of 12,598 other during the days I was snowed women. in here in Albuquerque,” said “I just started training for Galloway. the half marathon last year,” Photo by Jennifer Pecastaing, Danielle Galloway’s sister-in-law The next race is the Duke said Galloway. “…my Danielle Galloway, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albu- City Marathon in October. brother and I thought it would querque District Biologist, is seen running a half mara- She runs every day but the be challenging to do a half thon race in Phoenix, Arizona in January. She recently actual training for her next marathon, since we had only began running the half marathon following five years of race doesn’t start until three done short distance races.” running five kilometer races. months prior to the event. Galloway, who began do- Galloway was the Duke ing five kilometer races, (approximately three miles), over City five kilometer winner in both her division and 25 to 29 the past five years, attributes part of her running ability to age group in October 2005. Quote of the quarter History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days. ~Winston Churchill RipRap Page 13 News Bites
Corps campout Alaskan Native travel card holders can be reached at 342-3297. The third annual Albu- Employment Program access/view their own Bank querque District campout of America travel card March TSP Rates SPA golf account transactions, bal- is scheduled at Clear Creek of Return Group Campground located underway ances, etc., on the Bank of It’s that time of season America web site. To do so, G Fund F Fund C Fund in the San Pedro Parks S Fund I Fund Wilderness in the Santa Fe again to dust off the clubs users must first self-register and take to the golf course. per the instructions provid- 0.42% 0.00% 1.09% National Forest near Cuba 1.09% 2.57% for the weekend of June 8 SPA golf is a periodic golf ed on this website: https:// through 10. A large group- outing for District employ- www.gcsuthd.bankofamer- ees that is challenging, fun, ica.com/EAGLS_selfregis- Last 12 Months: site and campers, trailers, 5.05% 6.60% 11.83% motor homes, tents etc, and a great team-builder. tration/army_selfRegistra- Each foursome, or team, tion.aspx. 9.30% 20.22% have been reserved and all are welcome. plays nine holes after If you need to make a work at a nearby course payment on your Bank of March 2007: It’s a great spot and L 2040 L 2030 L 2020 L reasonably close by. Please and competes with other America Travel Card ac- Corps foursomes in either count, go to www.my- 2010 L Income RSVP John Baker at 342- 1.34% 1.16% 1.08% 3221. a scramble or best ball easypayment.com web site format. and follow the instructions. 0.89% 0.62% If you’d like to partake There is no cost for this Collateral duties in SPA golf, contact Bruce service. Last 12 Months: available Hill for a schedule at 342- The District’s Agency 12.57% 11.64% 10.82% Improve your effective- 3171. Program Coordinator is 9.00% 6.94% ness for self and District Linwood Wroten and can Every collateral duty, Credit card scams no matter how seem- Cardholders should be ingly insignificant, benefits aware that banks or asso- MAIL CALL! something, somewhere, or ciations will never ask for someone...they are that im- personal information via NEW PRICES FOR POSTAGE Effective May 14, 2007 portant! To your coworkers. phone or e-mail unless the Current New To you. To your command. call was initiated by the First-Class Mail To your career. A col- Letters, Bill Payment; Greeting Card cardholder. $ 0.39 $ 0.41 lateral duty representative Never reveal any per- Wedding Invitation (2-ounce) $ 0.63 $ 0.58 gives not only your career sonal information when so- Postcard $ 0.24 $ 0.26 a boost, but provides the licited via phone or email. Priority Mail chance to take on a major Instead, if unsure, contact Flat-Rate Envelope $ 4.05 $ 4.60 responsibility within the Flat-Rate Box $ 8.10 $ 9.15** the bank or association 12-pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) $19.80 $24.10 District. directly using a phone num- Express Mail Review the list below of ber or email address you available collateral duties Flat-Rate Envelope $14.40 $16.95 know is valid, to confirm 1-pound package $18.80 $19.50 and contact Bob Liddy, that you are speaking with EEO Manager at 342-3170: Parcel Post an authorized employee. 1-pound package $ 3.95 $ 4.50 5-pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) $ 9.11 $ 9.50 • Federal Women’s View and pay Program Bank Statement (2 ounces, 3-digit, barcoded) $ 0.545 $ 0.459 • Hispanic Employment GTC online Bank of America has estab- Program Utility Bill lished procedures whereby (5-digit, barcoded) $ 0.293 $ 0.312 • Native American/
RipRap Page 14 Who’s Who photos by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs
Pearl Luna, Purchasing Agent, buys simplified acquisitions Charlie Little, Mailroom Manager, ensures the mail gets which include construction supplies and services. Pearl distributed in a timely and accurate manner. He is retired has been with the Corps since 1987. Navy, both a Vietnam Era and Operations Desert Shield and Storm Era Veteran. In the Spotlight Craig Lykins, a 24 year veter- an with the Corps as a Park Ranger, receives on behalf of Cochiti Lake, the District Commander’s Project Office Program Safety Achievement Award from Lt. Colonel Bruce Estok for outstanding safety achievements during fiscal year 2006. Nicknamed “The Saint”, he has the honor of having a student scholarship named for him, the “Craig Lykins, Park Ranger, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honorary Scholarship Fund” during his previous assign- ment with Seattle District. He is also a recipient of the prestigious 1998 Hiram M. Chittenden Award for Inter- pretive Excellence.
RipRap Page 15 Awards & Decorations
Member of Regulatory is District Employee of the Year Jean Manger, senior project manager for Regulatory agencies and individuals, responding to violations of the Branch, was selected as the 2006 Albuquerque District program, and mentors other regulatory project manag- Member of the Year. ers. Manger has played a key role in the success of several A selection committee with representatives from all of the high profile projects of significant public and congressional Divisions within the District, the Employee Advisory Com- interest. mittee, and Mid-Level Management diligently reviewed all As the District Member of the Year, Manger received a of the nominations before making the final selection. Commander’s Coin, her name recorded on the plaque in Dave Dutton, Abiquiu Lake Project Manager, Linda An- the front lobby, and a reserved parking space in front of the derson, Contracting, April Sanders, Operations, and Barbara building for the year. Bernal, Resources Management, were also nominated. Thanks, Jean, and all the nominees for your outstanding Manger is responsible for reviewing 404 permit applica- work and contributions to the Albuquerque District! tions, coordinating with applicants and applicable interested Headlee earns Division nomination By Karen Downey, Lead Park Ranger John Martin Reservoir Don Headlee, Park Ranger at John Martin Reservoir, Missouri, he has tirelessly represented the U.S. Army Corps Colorado, won the South Pacific Division nomination for the of Engineers to educate the young and the old in schools, Department of the Army’s Hiram M. Chittenden Award for civic group meetings, and special events. Interpretive Excellence, 2006. His innovative teaching techniques The nomination is in recognition not only reflected the history of our of his outstanding service to the nation, but also instructed young- Albuquerque District through sters on career paths, water safety, his unwavering and dedicated environmental science, cultural and support of the interpretive pro- prehistoric finds. He is a retired gram at John Martin Reservoir teacher, but he has never stopped and Dam. teaching. He is the very essence of During the past year, Headlee what a U.S. Army Corps of Engi- has worn many hats, and donned neers Park Ranger should be as he many different personas in a has represented himself, as well as successful effort to bring to life the Corps, with dignity and pride. the Lewis and Clark Expedition, The award is in honor of Hiram M. the Zebulon M. Pike Expedition, Chittenden, a former Corps dis- and the Santa Fe Trail. trict commander who championed From Albuquerque, New the 1910 development of the Lake Mexico, throughout Colorado, Washington Ship Canal and Locks, and as far away as Kansas City, Photo by Karen Downey, USACE John Martin Reservior eventually named for him in 1956.
Bat Bombs... continued from page 5 Education of the public in the FUDS and what the residual risk may be,” standpoint, it is also a really interesting program is one of the most powerful said Ostermann. “Much of the work anecdote about New Mexico’s role in tools available to Albuquerque District we do in FUDS is for activity done World War II. FUDS Program Manager, Monique 60 or more years ago, but that doesn’t Ostermann. mean there is no risk at all.” ** Reference: Couffer, Jack, Bat Bomb: “When someone asks us a question “That being said, the risk from residu- World War II’s Other Secret Weapon. about the risks associated with any al bat bombs is extremely low, but that Austin: University of Texas DoD activity, especially regarding ord- doesn’t mean we shouldn’t educate the Press. 1992. nance, we need to be very clear in how public about it,” she said. Not only is we explain what occurred at that site it important from a safety education RipRap Page 16 Awards & Decorations cont. . . Air Combat Command Service Rec- Dept of Energy National Nuclear George Sims ognition to District : Security Administration Letter of Ap- Albuquerque District preciation: Commander’s Appreciation Awards: Bruno Quirici Captain Melanie Barber Support of Task Force Guardian Joan Coffing Shelley Ramos Certificate of Appreciation: Monique Osterman Albuquerque District USACE Learning Center Certificates Doug Bruner of Appreciation: Bob Liddy EPA, Brown & Bryant Five Year Phillip Roybal Rich Zaragoza Review Award Dwayne Lillard Danielle Galloway Cecelia Horner & the Albuquerque Danny Hampton Denise Saiz District Matt Masten SPD Regional Champion Group, 2nd Fritz Blake Division Nomination: 2006 Hiram M. Quarter Bruce Jordan Chittenden Award for Interpretive Rose Chavez Lynette Giesen Excellence Steve Meyers Ronnie Anderson Don Headlee Kent Heyne Hui O’I Loa, a.k.a. PDT of the Year Clark Hulce Superior Civilian Service Award: Award Wade Woodham George Sims Art Maestas Kerry Horner Dwayne Lillard Bob Koteff Department of the Army Achieve- Theresa Armijo ment Medal: Hurricane Katrina, Task Force Hope- Phillip Roybal Ethan Luke MS, Certificate of Appreciation: Steve Purdy Robert Boley Elaine Johnson
Photo by D.J. Johnson, USACE Information Management Lt. Colonel Bruce Estok, District Engineer, second from left, congratulates, left to right, Phillip Roybal, Danny Hampton, and Dwayne Lillard for their contributions as instructors in the Proponent Sponsored Engineer Corps Training Classroom Program, 2006. RipRap Page 17 Bienvenido! The Albuquerque District welcomes the following most recent arrivals:
Thomas Benton – Cost Engineering Tamara Massong – Hydrology and Hydraulics Jacob Chavez – Cost Engineering Timothy O’Connell – Maintenance (Cochiti) Julianne Curado – Human Resources Jaime Ramirez – Park Ranger (Cochiti) Scot Harvey – Maintenance (Conchas) Joan Roll – Structural Engineering Jillian Herzberg – Information Management LeeAnn Summer – Deputy Director Office of Counsel James Lujan – Information Management Richard Totten – Director Office of Counsel Lance Lundquist - Archaeologist Marvin Urban – Real Estate Karen Renee Robinson became the new Albuquerque Budget Of- ficer, replacing RC Fell, who retired from the District in September. Karen Renee comes to the District after being deployed to Baghdad and Afghanistan for 22 months. She worked with the Gulf Region Division in Baghdad as the Lead Staff Accountant, Afghanistan Engineering District as the Internal Review Officer, and the State Department as the Deputy Budget Director for the Essential Services and Security and Justice Funds. Karen Renee began her 21-year career with Seattle District work- ing in Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Budget Branch and Construction Division from 1986-2001. She took her first over- seas tour to Japan District and Europe District from 2001-2004 prior to transferring to HQ USACE and being deployed. Photo by Bruce Hill Jr., USACE Public Affairs
LeeAnn Summer, the new Deputy District Counsel, arrived in January. Prior to her arrival, LeeAnn served as Assistant Division Counsel for the Pacific Ocean Division and also as the Division’s Real Estate Chief. Prior to her USACE POD assignment, she was an Assistant District Counsel in the St. Louis and Charleston Districts. She has also served as an Air Force Judge Advocate, and continues to serve as an Air Force Reserve Judge Advocate. In her capacity as a reserve Judge Advocate, she was an Appellate Government Counsel and represented the U.S. before the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces and the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals. She was also a Reserve Medical Law Consultant.
Photo by Thom Lichte, USACE Pacific Ocean Division District emphasizes water safety By Phillip Martinez, USACE Park Ranger at Abiquiu Lake Dam
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer of 13, while underway in a recreational Alcohol and boating do not mix, lakes across New Mexico had a tre- vessel, must wear an approved Personal and by the way, alcohol is banned at mendous 2006 summer season. 2007 Flotation Device. Every person onboard Abiquiu Lake as of April 15, 2007. may be even better, so while at our a vessel less than 16 feet must also wear Here is a grim fact. The majority of lakes be sure to observe the following a lifejacket on Corps lakes. drownings in the past few years have rules for your safety. Observe “No Wake” zones and be been alcohol related. Have U.S. Coast Guard approved courteous to fellow water users. Follow- Don’t drink if you plan to swim, boat life jackets readily accessible for each ing these guidelines will greatly enhance or drive. Above all remember to stay person onboard a vessel. Especially re- your pleasure, enjoyment and most sober, stay safe, stay alive! member, young children under the age importantly your well being and safety. RipRap Page 18 Turn back the clock New Corps History Book The District Public Affairs Office has a copy of a new illustrated survey his- tory of the Corps of Engineers provided by the Office of History, HQUSACE. The new book, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A History,” replaces EP 870-1-45 that was published in 1998. The redesigned book is substantially larger than the previous edition and includes many more pictures and new material on recent events. Moreover, the new book has a decidedly different look and feel than the volume it replaced. The text has a more open and attrac- tive layout, the pictures are larger and more vibrant, and the new history also includes a comprehensive index so readers can quickly locate information. The new history was designed to appeal to both Corps of Engineers employees and the general public. Check with your branch chief or public affairs to view a copy. DID YOU KNOW? There was a female Buffalo Soldier... Cathay Williams was the only known female ‘buffalo soldier’ or black soldier in the US military after the Civil War, according to the Encyclopedia of Women’s History. She served in the Thirty- Eighth United States Infantry Company A as William Cathay from November 1866 to October 1868. The term ‘Buffalo Soldier’ is a nickname originally applied to the 10th Cavalry formed on Septem- ber 21, 1866 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
“Female Buffalo Soldier” by William Jennings District coin depicts history The Albuquerque District coin depicts the characteristics of the city of Albuquer- que including the October International Balloon Fiesta, the most photographed event in the world. Also shown are the majestic Sandia Mountains that frame the city, along with the waters of the Rio Grande. The Zia Indian symbol, the city’s reviving downtown area and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers castle complete the representation. The back of the coin illustrates the District’s civil works mission with Con- chas Dam, the first dam built by the Dis- Coin design by Derrick “DJ” trict. Holloman Air Force Base’s famous Johnson, District Visual Infor- mation Specialist stealth fighter, with an aircraft hangar in the background, depicts the District’s military construction mission. The Albuquerque District boundaries are the fourth largest in the Corps of Engineers, covering the entire state of New Mexico, southern Colorado, and part of west Texas.
RipRap Page 19 Record snowfalls cause District work delays, closures
photo by Bruce Hill, Jr., USACE Public Affairs The Albuquerque District office under a blanket of melting snow in January. Snowfalls caused work delays and closures of the Albuquerque District this winter. According to the New Mexico State Basin Outlook Report in January, the 2007 water year started out like gang-busters. In the Albuquerque area, you would have to have gone back to 1959 to see more snowfall.
Photo by Chuck Opet, USACE Trinidad Lake Dam As much as five feet of snow spanned across the one and a half mile stretch of road across Trinidad Lake Dam in Colorado late December and early January. The snow forced the closure of the road for four days. It was the first time it had been closed due to snow since the 1980’s.